GL: Route Request

[Kurt Reno]

Experience or no, there is no way on gods green earth that I would take any
boat regardless of size that was purchased in South Florida into an open
water passage of any magnitude.   Rule of thumb is "All boats on the market,
especially in South Florida, are in a state of delayed repair even if they
are new".   The breakdowns you are likely to encounter will likely run 200%
over budget of money and time the first thousand miles even if you spend
considerable money outfitting beforehand.  Boats just have a way of knowing
when they change ownership even if you whisper.  Boats are just too
complicated to rely on them until you have considerable experience with that
boat in particular.



The only way I would try that trip is if I had sailed that boat all winter
in the Caribbean.  Even then, expect the Gulf of St Lawrence to be like Lake
Michigan in late April.  Wind and currents will be on the nose for 700
miles. Most people do that trip in the reverse direction.  Does the boat
have a pilot house with heat? Consider also that the Welland canal is going
to cost about as much in hassle and money as stepping the mast. Right now
the Erie has suspended fees and each end is well set up to help you with
stepping and building a crib to hold the mast on deck. By the time you reach
the Erie canal there will be things to repair on top of the mast anyway.



If I had the time, I would still go the east coast route rather than the
river system as Bob suggests just for the trip itself. Rather than push a
new boat on a trip that is twice the distance I would slow down, take the
shorter route and smell the roses.  I would save the St Lawrence trip for
some time when I could do it in reverse and be in Montreal early in the
summer.  You will be hard pressed to keep crew on the St Lawrence trip
unless you are in the downwind direction.  The fear/misery index is just to
high unless you own the boat.













[I have just purchased a  sailboat in Ft. Lauderdale I will be sailing

it back to Lake Michigan this next Spring.

I draw 8.5' so the Intercoastal is not an option I believe.

We are thinking we will run outside and end up in Newport for a stay,

then take the St. Lawrence so I don't have to step the rig for the

Erie canal.

I will appreciate any advice and info regarding this.



Thanks,

Curt Crain

S/V Altair]